US ambassador hints at downgrading travel warning for J&K

Srinagar, Aug 19: Describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor on Wednesday said Washington would reassess its advisory cautioning citizens against travelling to the region.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence in Gupkar, Gor said the US periodically reviews its travel warnings and that the advisory for J&K would also be examined.
“The United States issues travel warnings, and every so often we re-evaluate them. I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something we are going to look at,” Gor said.
He said that the Centre and the J&K government had taken “incredible steps” towards making the region safer. “New Delhi, the Chief Minister here, the government here, have made some incredible steps to make this area safer. So we will look at whether the travel warning imposed and recommended by the U.S. should be downgraded. Because it is a beautiful area, and many Americans would like to come here and see its beauty,” he added.
Gor, who also serves as US Envoy for South and Central Asia, called Jammu and Kashmir an important part of India.
“As everybody here knows, I am the US Ambassador to India. And this is an important part of India. I am here visiting for the first time,” he said.
The envoy described J&K as “incredibly beautiful” and said he was “thrilled” to be in the Valley.
On his meeting with Omar Abdullah, Gor termed it “very good” and “very cordial.”
“We have some follow-ups that we hope to take back to Washington, back to Delhi. It was very warm, very cordial, and we look forward to building this relationship further,” he said.
In a post on X, Gor said they discussed ways to deepen economic collaboration and create opportunities that would mutually benefit both nations.
“Appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister @Omarabdullah and to learn more about his priorities. We discussed ways to deepen economic collaboration and create opportunities that would mutually benefit both of our nations,” he wrote.
In another post, Gor said he very much enjoyed meeting the Chief Minister.
Later, the US envoy took a Shikara ride in Dal Lake. (KNO)